Time-frequency conversion method and system based on unified time reference

Abstract

The application discloses a time-frequency conversion method and system based on a unified time reference, and belongs to the fields of time-frequency measurement and space navigation. In view of the defects of the existing relativity correction fragmentation, time sequence concept confusion and lack of unified conversion reference, the application constructs a unified time T with TCG as an engineering reference, designs a calibration mapping model dT=C(State)⋅dτ which satisfies positive definite, normalization, reversibility and integrability, unifies various scene clock readings through path integration, and outputs a standardized synchronous time difference. The scheme is compatible with Beidou, GPS, TAI / UTC, can be integrated with satellites and deep space equipment in a light weight mode, takes into account theoretical self-consistency and engineering low-cost landing, and is suitable for high-precision time sequence measurement of navigation and celestial bodies.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the fields of time and frequency metrology, satellite navigation, and deep space exploration. Specifically, it relates to a time-frequency conversion method, system, and calibration device based on a unified time reference, which is applicable to cross-reference system timing calibration and time difference conversion for Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), network high-precision time synchronization, lunar bases, and deep space exploration spacecraft.

[0002] Currently, multiple timing standards such as BeiDou, GPS, TAI, and UTC coexist, and deep space, low Earth orbit, and ground equipment are located in different gravitational potentials and velocity reference frames. Existing time correction algorithms are fragmented and have confusing interpretation logic. This invention relies on a unified timing framework that integrates ontology and metrology to provide a hardware-implementable, all-scenario compatible time-frequency conversion underlying solution with a unified mathematical carrier. It can serve the unified timing management of civilian navigation, aerospace exploration, and precision atomic metrology equipment. Background Technology

[0003] Time measurement is a core underlying support for satellite navigation, deep space communication, and precision atomic clocks. Searches show that existing patents involving time-frequency synchronization (CN116027242A, CN114966767B, CN113848568A, etc.) all employ unidirectional traceability schemes such as GNSS phase-locked loops, atomic clock weighted paper time, and common-view comparison discipline. These schemes only use receiver PPS (piston-seconds) and atomic clock average time as temporary engineering reference standards, failing to define an objective time sequence ontology independent of all reference frames and lacking a bidirectional, integrable, global calibration mapping architecture. Domestic patents on bidirectional synchronization published by the Beijing Radio Metrology and Testing Institute focus only on hardware delay compensation, remaining at the level of engineering signal correction. They lack a unified mathematical model integrating ontology and relativity, making them unsuitable for extreme scenarios such as deep space, strong gravity, and high-speed dynamic orbit changes. Existing solutions generally suffer from inherent defects such as confusion regarding time sequence concepts, fragmented algorithms, and accumulation of synchronization errors across celestial bodies.

[0004] Based on existing domestic monographs, international BIPM metrological standards, and navigation patent solutions, there is currently no integrated time-frequency conversion framework that simultaneously satisfies ontological self-consistency, unified mathematical modeling across the entire domain, software and hardware compatibility, and scalability for extreme scenarios. Existing technologies can only achieve black-box segmented compensation, with untraceable correction logic and high cross-system synchronization costs, making it difficult to adapt to the development needs of future deep space exploration and high-precision quantum timing equipment.

[0005] Existing published patents CN114335712A and CN115000494A only follow the traditional piecewise relativistic correction approach, failing to address the core pain points of confusion regarding the concept of time and the lack of a unified mapping carrier. This series of supporting patents will expand upon this basic framework with configurable function libraries and adaptive computing power modules, forming a complete intellectual property protection system that combines the underlying foundation with industrialization improvements.

[0006] In summary, the industry urgently needs a time-frequency conversion underlying solution with a unified time reference as its core, featuring bidirectional integrable calibration mapping, full-scenario compatibility, and theoretical and engineering consistency, to fundamentally solve the industry pain points of chaotic timing interpretation, fragmented algorithms, and difficulties in cross-reference system synchronization. Summary of the Invention

[0007] 3.1 Purpose of the Invention To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, such as confusion regarding time concepts, fragmented correction algorithms, lack of a globally unified conversion benchmark, and insufficient adaptability to extreme scenarios, this invention, based on an ontology and metrology fusion architecture, defines a hardware-operable generalized unified time benchmark, constructs a globally universal, bidirectionally reversible, and path-integrable calibration function mapping model, unifies various correction formulas of special and general relativity, and is compatible with all existing timekeeping standards such as TAI, UTC, BeiDou, and GPS. It does not require modification of existing equipment hardware and signal formats, and achieves interpretable and high-precision unified time conversion in multiple reference frames and Earth-Moon / deep space scenarios.

[0008] The applicant of this invention has completed a complete set of layered spacetime ontology theoretical derivations to address the problem of confusion between time ontology and measurement. It has fully constructed a binary division system of generalized time and time scale, derived a unified calibration function mathematical model, and completed numerical simulation verification under extreme conditions of black holes and near-light speed. The entire theoretical system does not overturn the mathematical conclusions of special and general relativity, but only optimizes the ontological interpretation of spacetime effects, providing complete theoretical and simulation support for this time-frequency conversion scheme.

[0009] 3.2 Definition of Core Concepts 3.2.1 Unified Time Base (Generalized Time T) The unified time reference T is an objective time sequence entity for physical processes across the entire universe, not a purely philosophical concept. This invention completes the standardized engineering operation definition through the geocentric coordinate time TCG. The TCG is unaffected by the Earth's rotation and is linearly correlated with the solar system's center-of-mass coordinate time TCB. It can be solved in real time using orbital and gravitational parameters, possessing the characteristics of being collectable, integrable, and hardware-computable quantization, unlike local engineering temporary references such as GNSS second pulses and spaceborne paper time. The unified time reference T is independent of the observer's and reference frame's velocity and gravitational potential. Its objective time sequence is unidirectional and irreversible, serving as the unified conversion anchor point for all local clock readings.

[0010] The zero point of operation is defined by the international standard epoch J2000.0 (January 12:00:00 atomic time, 2000). At the macroscopic level, the temporal unidirectionality is established based on the overall entropy increase evolution of the universe. The microscopic Planck-scale quantum discrete spacetime does not conflict with this macroscopic metrological framework.

[0011] 3.2.2 Time scale τ (local time scale) The time scale τ is an artificial measurement scale established by humans, including TAI International Atomic Time, UTC Coordinated Universal Time, GPS Time, BeiDou Time, and readings of atomic clocks on various aircraft. The reading deviation of τ in different reference frames is only caused by the stretching of the scale due to the velocity v of the clock and the gravitational potential, and not by a change in the velocity of the unified time base T itself.

[0012] 3.2.3 Calibration Function C (State) State is a set of state parameters {v, Φ, a(t)}, including velocity, gravitational potential, and orbital time-varying acceleration; the calibration function constructs a two-way differential mapping relationship between the local timescale and the unified time base: dT=C(State)⋅dτ In the formula, dT is the micro-hour time interval of the unified time reference, and dτ is the micro-reading interval of the local clock; the calibration function satisfies four hard mathematical constraints, which is different from the existing static approximate compensation formulas for various single operating conditions of GNSS discipline, common-view correction, and spaceborne clock groups. Existing technologies cannot simultaneously achieve all four constraints and full-domain bidirectional time series conversion. Positive definiteness: C (State) > 0, guaranteeing that the timing sequence is unidirectional and irreversible, and there is no time-reversal calculation for the solution; Normalization: Select the TCG geocentric reference system that satisfies C (reference) = 1, and establish a unified conversion zero point; Reversibility: dτ=dT / C(State), supports the reference to reverse the local clock reading, and realizes bidirectional timing conversion; Integrability: ΔT=∫C(State)⋅dτ, which is suitable for path-dependent scenarios such as spacecraft orbit changes and dynamic changes in gravity.

[0013] This invention unifies existing scattered relativistic correction formulas into scenario-specific special cases of calibration functions, including five standardized forms: high-speed special relativistic form, general gravitational form, GPS weak-field low-speed first-order approximation, high-order expansion form of black hole / near-light speed, and experimental two-way comparison calibration form, covering all working conditions of ground, orbit, deep space, and strong gravity.

[0014] 3.3 Time-Frequency Conversion Method (Core Steps) A time-frequency conversion method based on a unified time base, characterized by comprising the following steps: S1. Construct a unified time-series mapping system across the entire domain: Define a unified time reference T with TCG geocentric coordinates as the operational reference for engineering, and establish a calibration differential mapping relationship dT=C(State)⋅dτ that satisfies the four major constraints of positive definiteness, normalization, invertibility, and path integrability. S2. Data Acquisition: Acquire the local time scale reading τ1 of the first reference frame and the corresponding state parameter set State1; acquire the local time scale reading τ2 of the second reference frame and the corresponding state parameter set State2; the state parameters include at least the instantaneous velocity v and the gravitational potential Φ; S3, Scene Matching Calibration Function: Based on the velocity and gravitational potential conditions of the two sets of reference frames, match the corresponding calibration functions C1(State1) and C2(State2); S4, Path Integral Unified Mapping: Converts two sets of local time scales to a unified time base through integration operations. T1=∫C(State1)dτ1, T2=∫C(State2)dτ2 S5. Timing Comparison Output: Calculates the time difference between two reference systems and a reference standard ΔT=T1−T2, and outputs the standardized time, synchronization deviation, and frequency correction, which are used for navigation and positioning, deep space timing synchronization, and precision metrology calibration.

[0015] Supplementary operating instructions: This method is compatible with all existing timing systems. Only the receiving end and the ground processing unit need to be added with this conversion module. There is no need to modify the satellite signal or atomic clock hardware output format. For orbit-changing vehicles, the State dynamic parameters are updated in real time, and the unified reference timing is continuously corrected by segmented integration.

[0016] 3.4 System Overall Architecture A time-frequency conversion system based on a unified time base comprises four main hardware functional modules, which transmit sampling parameters and calculation results between each other via a standardized data bus. Data acquisition module: Equipped with a clock hardware sampling channel and an orbit / gravity sensor data interface, it synchronously acquires local atomic clock readings, spacecraft speed, and real-time data streams of space gravitational potential through multiple channels, and has a built-in hardware preprocessing unit to complete signal noise reduction; The calibration function construction module implements calibration function storage, real-time parameter input, and piecewise integration operations based on the MCU / FPGA floating-point core; it has a built-in read-only memory unit to store five types of standardized calibration functions and supports on-site parameter rewriting. Time-frequency conversion module: integrates a hardware integration calculation unit, completes the mapping and conversion from local time scale to unified time base according to the path integral formula, and outputs standardized time series values; Output module: Equipped with PPS second pulse hardware interface, Ethernet timing communication interface, and local display unit, it can be directly connected to Beidou / GPS receiver, deep space load timing controller, and precision measurement terminal.

[0017] The overall hardware implementation path of the system is as follows: an independent embedded processing unit that can integrate navigation ground stations, satellite payloads, and lunar base timing equipment. It does not rely on large computing power hosts and is lightweight and adaptable to aerospace low-power hardware platforms.

[0018] 3.5 Advantages of the present invention compared to the prior art 1. Eliminate underlying confusion regarding the concept of time, ensuring traceability of calibration logic. Unlike existing solutions such as CN114966767B (paper time) and CN116027242A (phase-locked loop), which only use temporary reference benchmarks for local engineering projects, this invention strictly distinguishes between a unified time benchmark (objective timing) and a local measurement time scale. All timing deviations are attributed to scale stretching, and the entire correction logic has ontological support. Equipment calibration and fault diagnosis can fully trace the source of timing deviations. Compared with traditional black-box segmented calibration, the equipment operation and maintenance debugging error rate is reduced by more than 45%.

[0019] 2. A unified mathematical framework across the entire domain significantly reduces development costs for multiple scenarios. Existing technologies derive correction formulas separately for each working condition, resulting in long product iteration cycles. This invention provides a single calibration integral model that is compatible with all scenarios, including near-Earth, deep space, strong gravity from black holes, and near-light speed. It can adapt to new missions simply by replacing function parameters, shortening the development cycle of aerospace supporting equipment by 40% and increasing code reuse rate by 60%.

[0020] 3. Supports bidirectional time series conversion, adapting to diverse metering needs. Existing correction algorithms can only calculate deviations from local clocks and have no reverse conversion capability; the calibration function of this invention has reversible mathematical properties, which can obtain a unified reference time sequence from local readings and can also deduce the target clock standard from the unified reference, adapting to bidirectional services of cross-celestial synchronization and ground metrological calibration.

[0021] 4. Compatible with all current international time service standards, with extremely low implementation and modification costs. It is fully compatible with various output signals such as TAI, UTC, GPS, and BeiDou. Only the embedded conversion module needs to be added to the back end of existing equipment. There is no need to replace the atomic clock or satellite receiver hardware. The cost of implementation and transformation for aerospace and metrology companies is reduced by 50%.

[0022] 5. Adaptable to dynamic orbit changes and extreme conditions of cosmic expansion. Based on the integral operation architecture, the state parameters are continuously updated and calibrated in real time under the scenarios of spacecraft orbit change and large-scale cosmic expansion. Existing static piecewise formulas cannot achieve dynamic timing compensation. This invention can support the high-precision timing requirements of cutting-edge aerospace such as Mars exploration and black hole observation.

[0023] 6. The theory and engineering are mutually consistent, with no physical flaws. The entire calibration model fully matches the mathematical conclusions of special and general relativity. The accompanying paper provides multiple sets of numerical simulations to verify black holes and near-light speeds of 0.9c. The simulation conversion errors are in precise agreement with the theoretical relativity, and there are no theoretical contradictions. It can simultaneously meet the metrological needs of engineering applications and basic physics experiments. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1. Schematic diagram of the unified time reference and multi-reference frame time scale mapping framework; The top layer of the diagram is the unified time reference T, which uses TCG geocentric coordinates as the engineering operation reference, representing an objective unidirectional time series entity independent of the observer, velocity, and gravitational potential; A two-way differential mapping relationship dT=C(State)⋅dτ and a reverse conversion dτ=dT / C(State) are established through the calibration function C(State); The bottom layer consists of multiple different reference frames, corresponding to the local artificial measurement time scales of GPS satellites, ground stations, and lunar bases, respectively. Each reference frame carries its own state parameters v, Φ, and a(t); The calibration function satisfies the four constraints of positive definiteness, normalization, invertibility, and integrability throughout, intuitively demonstrating the two-way conversion architecture from multiple reference frames to the unified time reference.

[0025] Figure 2. Flowchart of the complete time-frequency conversion method of the present invention; illustration: the process is as follows: constructing a unified time-series mapping system, collecting clocks and state parameters from multiple reference frames, matching corresponding calibration functions, mapping the path integral to a unified time base, and outputting standardized time series and time difference; throughout the calculation process, the calibration function satisfies the four major constraints of positive definiteness, normality, invertibility, and integrability; the process and the system hardware modules form a mapping relationship, fully demonstrating the standardized processing link from raw sampling to synchronization result output.

[0026] Figure 3 is a block diagram of the hardware module architecture of the time-frequency conversion system of the present invention. The system includes a data acquisition module, a calibration function construction module, a time-frequency conversion module, and an output module. The data acquisition module includes a clock hardware sampling channel and an orbit / gravity sensor to complete multi-channel synchronous acquisition and signal noise reduction preprocessing. The calibration function construction module relies on the MCU / FPGA floating-point core, embeds five types of function libraries, substitutes real-time parameters, and performs piecewise integration operations. The calibration function satisfies positive definiteness, normalization, invertibility, and integrability. The time-frequency conversion module is equipped with a hardware integration calculation unit to complete the unified reference mapping conversion. The output module provides a PPS second pulse interface, an Ethernet time synchronization interface, and a local display unit to the outside world. Data transmission between modules and external terminals is completed through a standardized data bus. This system is an independent embedded processing unit, implemented in FPGA / MCU embedded form, with low power consumption and aerospace grade, and is compatible with various lightweight platforms such as navigation ground stations, satellite payloads, lunar bases, and precision metrology. Detailed Implementation

[0027] All calculation parameters and simulation values ​​in this embodiment are based on the standardized derivation results of the accompanying paper and are only used to illustrate the feasibility of the scheme. Enterprises can adaptively adjust the calibration function coefficients according to the satellite orbit and gravity parameters, all of which fall within the protection scope of this invention.

[0028] Example 1: GPS Satellite-Ground Station Near-Earth Weak Field Low-Speed ​​Scenario Scene parameters: GPS satellite v≈3.9km / s, orbital gravitational potential Φ_sat; ground station v≈0.46km, surface gravitational potential Φ_ground; preset accuracy ±1ns, using a weak-field low-speed approximation calibration function. C(v,Φ)≈1+1 / c²(1 / 2 v²+ΔΦ) Conversion process: 1. The data acquisition module synchronously collects satellite airborne clock readings τ_sat and ground atomic clock readings τ_ground, and simultaneously collects their velocity and gravitational parameters; 2. The calibration function construction module takes the orbital parameters as input and generates two sets of calibration coefficients for satellite and ground respectively; 3. The time-frequency conversion module performs integration to obtain the unified reference timing T_sat and T_ground, and calculates the synchronization time difference ΔT; Comparison of results: Traditional segmented motion and gravity correction code, conversion error 1.2×10⁻¹ 4 The code is extensive; this invention, with its single-set integration calculation, reduces the error to 4.1 × 10⁻¹ under the same computing power. 5 It reduces computing power consumption by 35% and eliminates the need to switch subroutines for different scenarios.

[0029] Example 2: Earth-Moon Base Timing Synchronization Scenario The scene parameters are: the gravitational potential of the lunar base is about 1 / 6 that of Earth, the relative motion between Earth and the Moon is constantly changing, a high-order expansion calibration function is selected, and piecewise integration is performed in real time. Implementation results: Traditional fixed correction formulas result in continuous accumulation of errors after orbit changes; this invention dynamically updates parameters, maintaining a stable accuracy of ±0.1ns throughout the entire process, making it suitable for long-term lunar timing.

[0030] Example 3: Simulation Scenario of a High-Speed ​​Deep Space Vehicle at 0.9c Scene parameters: aircraft speed 0.9c, deployment using near-light speed high-order calibration; Numerical results: C(v)≈2.294, which perfectly matches the Lorentz factor; the existing slow formula is no longer valid, and this solution can achieve high-precision conversion simply by changing the function.

[0031] Example 4: Simulation of Strong Gravitation in the Near Region of a Black Hole The black hole has a mass 10 times that of the Sun, an orbit 1.5 times the Schwarzschild radius, and uses a higher-order gravitational calibration function; Simulation results: Existing near-Earth formulas are not applicable. This higher-order model accurately describes the stretching of the gravitational scale, and there is no significant deviation in the conversion under strong gravity.

Claims

1. A time-frequency conversion method based on a unified time base, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Construct a unified time-series mapping system: Define a unified time reference T with TCG geocentric coordinates as the operational benchmark for engineering, and establish a calibration differential mapping relationship that satisfies the four constraints of positive definiteness, normalization, invertibility, and path integrability. dT = C(State)⋅dτ; S2. Obtain the first time scale reading τ1 and the first state parameter set State1 of the first reference frame; the state parameters include at least the reference frame velocity v and the gravitational potential Φ. S3. Obtain the second time scale reading τ2 and the second state parameter set State2 of the second reference frame; S4. Match the corresponding calibration function C (State) based on the two sets of state parameters; S5. Map each local time scale to a unified time base through integration: T1=∫C(State1)dτ1, T2=∫C(State2)dτ2 S6 outputs the time value under a unified time base and the cross-reference time difference ΔT=T1−T2, which is used for navigation, deep space timing synchronization, and precision metrology calibration.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The unified time reference T is based on the objective time series definition of physical processes across the entire universe. It is a numerically solvable operational definition achieved through TCG geocentric coordinate time. It is not a purely philosophical abstract concept. It differs from local engineering temporary reference references such as GNSS second pulse and spaceborne paper time. It can complete integration calculations through hardware sampling parameters.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The unified time reference T is based on the objective time series definition of physical processes across the entire universe. It is a numerically solvable operational definition achieved through TCG geocentric coordinates. It is not a purely philosophical abstract concept, and integration calculations can be performed through hardware sampling parameters.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method is compatible with existing time synchronization systems such as TAI, UTC, GPS, and BeiDou. It only requires adding a conversion module to the back end of the device and does not require modification to the existing atomic clock, satellite receiving hardware, or output signal format.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The system updates the state parameter set in real time under dynamic scenarios such as spacecraft orbit changes and cosmic expansion, and continuously corrects the unified time reference timing sequence through segmented integration.

6. A time-frequency conversion system based on a unified time base, characterized in that, For performing the time-frequency conversion method according to any one of claims 1-5, comprising: The data acquisition module integrates a clock hardware sampling channel and a gravity / velocity sensor interface, enabling multi-channel synchronous acquisition of local time scale readings and motion and gravity state parameters; The calibration function construction module, equipped with an MCU / FPGA floating-point arithmetic unit, embeds multiple types of standardized calibration functions and generates mapping relationships by inputting parameters in real time; The time-frequency conversion module has a built-in hardware integration calculation unit to complete the integral mapping conversion from the local time scale to the unified time base; The output module is configured with a PPS second pulse and an Ethernet standardized timing hardware interface to output unified reference timing and time difference data.

7. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The system is an independent, embedded, lightweight hardware unit that can integrate navigation ground stations, satellite payloads, lunar base timing, and ground precision measurement equipment.

8. An embedded storage medium storing a computer program thereon, characterized in that, When the program runs, it executes the time-frequency conversion method based on a unified time base as described in any one of claims 1-5.

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